Planning consultant for Slough

Local plan and key policies

Applications in Slough are decided against the Core Strategy 2006 to 2026 (adopted December 2008), the Site Allocations DPD (2010) and the saved policies of the Local Plan for Slough 2004. The council is preparing a new Local Plan to replace the Core Strategy and Site Allocations, and started consultation on its scope in 2026 under the new plan making system.

For extensions, the saved Local Plan policies H15 (residential extensions), EN1 (standard of design) and EN2 (extensions) are used together with the Residential Extensions Guidelines SPD adopted in January 2010, with policy H14 on amenity space and T2 on parking. Backland and infill plots are assessed under policy H13, garage conversions under H17 and houses in multiple occupation under H20.

Article 4 directions and local constraints

HMOs in Slough are also controlled through property licensing. An additional HMO licensing scheme has covered the whole borough since July 2019, and in 2026 the council consulted on introducing additional and selective licensing across the whole borough, so HMO room sizes and amenity standards need to be designed in from the start.

Land around the town is Green Belt, protected by Core Policy 2, where extensions and new buildings are tightly controlled. We check the planning history and any Article 4 directions or conditions affecting your property before advising on permitted development.

How long decisions take

Slough Borough Council works to the statutory periods: 8 weeks for householder and minor applications and 13 weeks for major applications, from validation. Prior approvals for larger home extensions have a 42 day determination period. We keep the case officer informed and respond quickly to requests, which helps applications stay on track.